As official copyeditor to the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre (2016–present), I edited and proofread a guide on using climate information to enhance humanitarian efforts, jointly published by the IFRC and Climate Centre.
The authors’ view is that we live in a time where humanitarian needs are growing at an extraordinary pace, outstripping the resources available to respond to disasters and emergencies. Climate change is a top contributor, increasing the frequency and intensity of temperature extremes (heat/cold waves), droughts, floods, heavy precipitation and storms as well as slow-onset events such as sea level rise and melting glaciers. These, in turn, are leading to accelerated and emerging health risks; loss of food and water security; damage and destruction to homes and infrastructure; situations of both short- and long-term displacement; and much more.
This guide supports National Societies and the IFRC in making their programmes and operations climate-smart, which means making use of available climate and weather information – short-term weather data, seasonal forecasts and long-term climate projections – during the design and implementation of programmes and operations. It aims, the authors say, to ensure that humanitarian efforts do not place people at increased risk in the future; and, where possible, empower communities to anticipate, absorb and adapt to climate shocks and long-term changes.
